Happy 2009!

It's a new year.....and with that a new ME! I joined a Biggest Looser Group to try to not only loose a few pounds, but try to get back to eating healthier! Even as a diabetic the holidays tend to be trying! So, between now and April my goal is 20 pounds and some sort of daily exercise!

We spent New Years Eve with my childhood friend Jenny and her family. We had not spent any qulaity time with them in a long time-we were due! It was a night of games and good laughs. Of course we saw the ball drop at midnight-and then finished our Wii bowling tournament!

Here are some pics from our good times with good friends!

We made some Memories....

My grandma Onie spent Christmas with our family. How lucky we were! I know that after 89 Christmases that she must have some kind of memory as to Christmases as a child. On Christmas morning I crawled into bed with her, and asked what she remembered. She recalls her "Pa" only buying one toy and placing it under the tree for all four children to enjoy-It might have been a wagon, or bicycle according to Gram. It made me realize how simple life used to be. The world we live in has become so complex and materialistic. We went to church on Christmas morning, and during the sermon I looked over to see Gram grab hold of Taylor's hand and hold it....Tay caressed her hand and fingers......it was a sight that made my heart skip a beat. This Christmas wasn't about the gifts we exchanged but the moments that we spent not only as a family, but with my dear Gram.

Somewhere along my journey...in an email or blog post I came across this and wrote it down- This sums this Christmas all up!

"Live simply, Love generously, Care deeply, Speak kindly, and leave the rest to God."

It's beginning to look alot like ....

CHRISTMAS! Now, this is how I remember it to be here in MN when I was a child! Saturday we recieved several inches of snow, and my "snowblowers" were at work!

We played a little in it as well! I have not had my boots on in 3 years for fear of slipping and falling and putting my back in worse condition than it already is! But, Saturday I put them on and and plopped into a snow bank and took some fun shots of my "boys!"

I have also beeen at work with some fun "Snowy Jo" goodies from Imaginisce! I just love this line!

Hoping that you all have a wonderful Christmas-Be safe!

Happy Birthday Jesus! :)

Wondering?????

Where I have been? Well, the next season is upon us.....yep, sitting in the bleachers watching my 6 foot one inch freshman play a little basketball! :)

Change....

is sometimes hard to accept. I know myself that I have had difficulty accepting certain change in my lifetime. But, sometimes change is a good positive thing! I have ALWAYS used Creative Memories albums, but guess what .......they changed them to true 12x12........how AWESOME is that! No more trimming off a certain portion to make my layouts fit just so! They have also come out with the most awesome (is that proper english?) lines of pattern paper....oh, and I can't forget to mention the Swirly and Monogram alphabet stickers! Check out the changes that CM has made or is in the process of making! You WON'T be disappointed, I Promise!

I have LOVED creating for Creative Memories over the past 6 months! The team there is wonderful! I find myself to be truly blessed! It is my passion, and so lucky to be able to do something that I truly LOVE! I LOVE the direction this company is going, and so glad to be going in that direction with them! I was reluctant at first, as I hadn't previously cared for what they were producing, but now I don't only use their albums, but their WHOLE line of goods! I am finding out the designs are perfect, the quality is top notch, and the people are wonderful! Take some time and browse through their website, and tell me what you might like to see, and I will do what I can to show you that product, and how it can be used!

Here is a little card that I recently put together using all CM product, and misc. ribbon from my stash!~

Enjoy!

30 Days of Christmas.....

I can't believe that I am talking about Christmas already! The Design Team at Creative Memories has been busy busy working on ideas for the Holidays, and starting last Saturday November 1st, began our 30 days of Christmas, where a new idea will be posted DAILY here...
http://projectcenter.creativememories.com/projectcenter/30-days-of-holiday-projec.html

Enjoy! :)

Family Fun....

was what we had last weekend in northern MN! Life has been kinda hectic in our house........football fever had hit! One got home at 6 from football, and the other started at 6! So, our family time was pretty rare! Thank goodness that they both turned in their football gear this week! Tonight we actually ALL get to sit down to the dinner table together at the same time! I can't even begin to tell you how wonderful it will be!

Dennis and I decided to take advantage of the MEA weekend , and the kids not having school.......so, we took them on a little get away! Of course at 12 and almost 15 it is NOT cool to stop and pose for the camera! So, the boys had to take goofy shots! We missed out on fall colors by about a week, but the park was still beautiful! It felt very cold (about 50)...but the boys insisted on walking across the headwaters of the Mississippi!

One hi-light was that we stopped in our favorite little town.......Nisswa! They have the BEST little candy store around(The Chocolate Ox)!~ Hubby gets sour balls by the pound and the kids get whatever tickles there fancy on that day! I got to *taste* everyone's pick to make sure they made good desicions! lol

Make sure to take time once in while with your family.......make memories and HAVE FUN!